Abstract:

The discovery of X-ray in 1895
was promptly followed by concerted efforts in developing contrast agents for pacification
of blood vessels, hollow organs and delineation of tumors from normal tissues
and diagnosis of other diseases. But these efforts have been met by challenges
of adverse reactions due to mismatch of the biochemical characteristics of the
contrast agents and the physiological medium of the human body.

However, research efforts have
yielded remarkable progress in the quality of contrast agents in current use,
while improved understanding of possible risk factors have equally necessitated
procedural strategies aimed at mitigating the prevalence in medical imaging
practice. Presently, the qualities of contrast media in use have drastically
reduced the incidence of adverse reactions; but have not eliminated them.

This paper therefore reviews the
early efforts in the development of suitable contrast media for medical
imaging, identified risk factors for adverse reactions and research proven
considerations for reducing the incidence in Radiography practice.

[35.]Swick, M. (1978). Radiographic media in
urology. The discovery of excretory urography: historical and developmental
aspects of the organically bound urographic media and their role in the varied
diagnostic angiographic areas. Surg. Clin North Am; 58: 977-994.